First performed in London in 1995, the performance piece will be repeated periodically throughout this year, museum spokeswoman Margaret Doyle said.

"The nature of the concept is that it not be announced in advance, nor publicised by the museum," Doyle said.

Swinton, 52, won an Oscar for best supporting actress in the 2007 film Michael Clayton. Other credits include the title role in Julia, We Need To Talk About Kevin, Burn After Reading and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.